Torrence Hatch (born November 14, 1982), better known by his stage nameLil Boosie, is an American rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[1] Hatch was bestowed the nickname Boosie by his family, and he was raised in southside Baton Rouge. He served time in the Louisiana State Penitentiary from 2009-2014, being sentenced to eight years after pleading guilty to drug charges. He was released early on March 5, 2014. On October 20, 2014 Lil Boosie changed his name to Boosie Badazz.

Early life[edit]

Hatch was born and raised on W. Garfield St., a poor neighborhood in South Side Baton Rouge (SSB). It was notorious for drugs and violence, a place feared by the general population. Boosie grew up with his mom and dad who nicknamed him after the '70s funk legend, Bootsy Collins. Although being raised by both of his parents was a rarity in his neighborhood, Boosie still struggled with dysfunction inside and outside of his home. His father died when Boosie was young. Boosie started rapping on tracks near when he began high school. Boosie became very involved in basketball to stay off the streets while attending high school and was actually expected to move on to college level basketball, but his involvement with drugs got him expelled from school. After being expelled from school, he rapped.

Music career[edit]

1998-2001: Camp Life & Youngest of tha Camp[edit]

Boosie became serious about his music, deciding to become a professional rapper. Lil Boosie cousin Young Bleed actually laid the foundation for his career. Bleed introduced Boosie to Baton Rouge rapper C-Loc in the late 1990s.[2] Boosie was mentored by Young Bleed & C-Loc, and joined the group which the two started called Concentration Camp. As the youngest member at the age of only 14 in 1997. The group consists of Young Bleed, C-Loc, Happy Perez, Boo, Max Minelli, J-Von, Lee Tyme & Lucky Knuckles. He eventually debuted on C-Loc’s fifth album, ‘It’s A Gamble’ in 2000 under his old alias Boosie and Concentration Camp third studio album Camp III : Thug Brothas in 2000. The departure of Young Bleed from the Camp helped put Lil Boosie in a prime position amongst the group. Alongside C-Loc and Max Minelli, he served as one of the “faces” of the Camp. He recorded his debut album, the aptly-titled ‘Youngest of da Camp,’ when he was 17 years old. He released Youngest of da Camp, his debut album in 2000 on Camp Life Entertainment. The album quickly gained popularity, and was widely known in Baton Rouge. At the time of this album's recording, Boosie was only 17 years old. The album production was mostly handled by Happy Perez. The album featured C-Loc, Max Minelli & Donkey and more. After the incarceration, Boosie once again turned back to the streets. Ultimately, his behavior led to him also being incarcerated. The album sold 13,000 units.

2001-2002: Trill Entertainment & For My Thugz[edit]

At this point, Boosie felt as though he was a failure. However, fate lent Boosie a hand, and Boosie had an opportunity to join an up-and-coming record label called Trill Entertainment which was backed by its CEO the late Pimp C of UGK in 2001. Trill signed Boosie and assisted him in bringing his legal issues to an end. Soon after, Trill independently released his debut album For My Thugz as his new alias Lil Boosie in 2002.[1] This release went on to sell over 15,000 copies. As of 2013, the album has sold 90,000 copies, according to Trill Entertainment. The album features Pimp C, Young Bleed, Webbie and more. Lil Boosie would go on to release his first mixtape title Boosie 2002 (Advance). The tape begin with the track I'm Tryin To Fuck featuring Max Minelle. Also with tracks like Never Let Nobody, A Quarter Ounce featuring Pimp C, Life Of Crime, and the club banger If It's Fuck Me...

2003-2005: Ghetto Stories, Gangsta Muzik & Warner Bros.[edit]

Later in the summer of 2003, Pimp C teamed up Boosie to co-star with one of his label-mates, Webbie, on the album Ghetto Stories. The album also went on to sell well over 15,000 copies. As of 2013, the album has sold 120,000 units. In 2004, Lil Boosie & Webbie released Trill Azz Mixtape Volume 1 which features both of going in over some of the hottest instrumentals. The mixtape starts with Webbie going in over Lil Flip “Game Over” beat on the song “Who They Want.” Next is the song “Wanna Be A Gangsta,” in which Boosie asks “are you sure you wanna be a gangsta?” The format of this mixtape is: a song from Webbie, followed by a song from Boosie. One of the hardest joints on this entire tape is the song “I’m Ghost” – which features Torrence “Bad Azz” Hatch going in over the instrumental for “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” by Tupac. Other beats that are used on this tape include “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz; “Set It Off” by Juvenile; “Welcome To Atlanta” – which Boosie calls “Welcome To Da Boot;” and “What Happened To That Boy” by Birdman. Lil Boosie released Trill Azz Mixes II which introduce Phat, later known as Lil Phat. The tape has dope tracks like We Don't Play Dat featuring Hatch Boy. He also remix Zapp song Computer Love title Lil Boosie Love. He also remix songs like Thug Mansion, All Eyez On Me, & Dear Mama by 2Pac. And ending the tape with the introducing of Phat freestyling over B.G. single Cash Money Is An Army. Boosie paired up again with Webbie, to release their second compilation album, Gangsta Musik. This is what really gained him popularity. According to Trill, the album sold 320,000 copies. Boosie’s talent was now undeniable, and he caught the eye of some Universal Music Group representatives. In 2004 Lil Boosie & South Coast Coalition released Both Sides of the Track. Boosie also released a compilation mixtape title Bad Ass with a few new tracks like Trill Shit. On Trill Shit he start off rapping "I was the youngest and the dumbest on the C.A.M.P. But I had to make a power move cause Big Loc did 3 but now im Triller than ever". It also feature the track I Smoke, I Drank by Body Head Bangerz featuring Boosie and Young Bleed off their debut album Body Head Bangerz: Volume One. January 1, 2005 Boosie teamed up with Lava House Records to release United We Stand, Divided We Fall. He also released Street Code with Pat Lowrenzo. In 2005, Lil Boosie release Bad Ass (Advance) to promote Bad Azz. In late January 2005, Boosie signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records.[3]

2006–2008: Bad Azz and Survival of the Fittest[edit]

In early 2006, Trill released Bad Ass Mixtape Vol.1 as a follow-up to (Bad Ass Advance). The “Bad Azz Mixtape Vol.1” is something that most Boosie fans agree is one of his best pieces of work. He has tracks on there like “Swerve 2,” “Platinum,” and “Supply Ya Man,” which are all piff tracks. On the song “U Got Respect” he talks about how he has earned respect in the rap game. On the following track called “Living Dat Life,” he talks about being from the Southside where the murder rate is high. In 2006, Boosie's major label debut album Bad Azz was released.[1] It contained the single "Zoom" featuring Yung Joc. A Bad Azz DVD followed where the rapper explained the death of his father due to drugs and his fight against diabetes.In early December 2006, the mixtape “Streetz Iz Mine” was released by Lil Boosie and DJ Drama (Gangsta Grillz). It features 18 complete tracks of straight up fire from the Louisiana emcee. The entire Boosie mixtape is absolutely bananas, tracks like “Too Much,” followed by “U Down To Ride” get the tape off to a hot start. Torrence goes in over Young Jeezy’s “Trap Star” on the track “They Dykin.” The beat selection for this tape is perfect for the Bad Azz This tape has minimal guest appearances, namely from Webbie (on tracks like “Jealousy” and “Do The Rachett” – which is widely recognized as a street anthem in the south. In 2007, Lil Boosie released Bad Azz Mixtapes Vol.2 Tracks like “I’m Hot,” “I Miss U,” and one of the biggest bangers of all time entitled “I Know” can be found on Volume 2. In 2007, Boosie & Webbie was on the remix of "Wipe Me Down" by rapper Foxx. It was put on the Trill Entertainment compilation album Survival of the Fittest, which was released in 2007. In 2008 Boosie released Da Beginning Mixtape. At Lil Boosie's 4th Of July Bash party, he passed out his new mixtape, 4th Of July Bash. In December 2008, Lil Boosie released Lil Boosie Presents: Da Click, which features Da Click consist of Hatch Boy, Locco, Quick and Bleek. It also popularized Lil Boosie's career. In 2008, Lil Boosie was featured on the single "Independent" by Webbie and was among several rappers to be featured on "Out Here Grindin" by DJ Khaled.

In March 2009 Boosie released The Return Of Mr. Wipe Me Down as a promotion mixtape to his second major album. The Runners and V-12 produced some of the mixtape. Lil Boosie passed out an untitled mixtape at his July of 4th Bash. Songs from the tape eventually ended up on Da Click: ''Street Kingz which was released July 14. In 2009, Lil Boosie released his second major album Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz. The first single from the album, "Better Believe It", featured Webbie and Young Jeezy. Promotional music videos for songs from the album, such as "I'm a Dog" & "Loose as a Goose," were released. Also in 2009, Lil Boosie presented his debut label Bad Azz Entertainment. Lil Boosie released Thug Passion on his Bad Azz Entertainment label in 2009. In the summer (July) of 2009, Lil Boosie and Hurricane Chris released a mixtape titled Category 7: Bad Azz Hurricane. Lil Boosie also released a mixtape titled Untouchables with LoLa Monroe. Lil Boosie also released a mixtape titled The 25th Hour. On an interlude on the mixtape, he speaks on his prison term.

2010-2012: Incarcerated[edit]

In 2010 Lil Boosie & C-Loc his former CEO release Unbreakable as a Compilation CD. As of 2010, Lil Boosie has announced while he is still in prison on charges of murder and conspiracy, and potentially facing the death penalty, he wants to move forward with his hip hop career. Boosie released his fourth studio album, Incarcerated, on September 28 on Asylum Records. According to MTV News, the project is almost entirely produced by B.J., although Mouse on Tha Track did some work on it as well. Webbie, Foxx and Lil Trill are among the featured guests.[4] Lil Boosie released Gone Til' December in 2010, which is a mixtape album consisting of new music. The 25th Hour tape was originally released in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana – but other versions have spread around the internet. The version that he dropped featured songs like “Be Careful” featuring Money Bag$, “I Did You Wrong” feat. Lil Quick, “I Been Icy,” “My Children,” and “I Ain’t Mad At Cha.” Other notable guest appearances include: Lil Jas, Hatch Boy, Yung Giga of Bad Azz Entertainment, as well as Lil Trill. There are some other mixtapes floating around the internet with similar titles, so Bad Azz Entertainment released it as Should've Been My Beatz on Amazon, Rhapsody and others. Lil Boosie released 22504 with B.G.. In 2011 Quick release Hit After Hit 3 with Lil Boosie. In 2012 My Brother's Keeeper was released with Money Bagz & Quick. Also Under Investigation was released as a free download on Livemixtapes with Ray Vicks.

2013-present: name change & Touchdown 2 Cause Hell[edit]

In January 2013 Lil Boosie spoke on his prison sentence and said,

"I have about 500 songs at the moment. I feel that I'm making the best music I've ever made. The more I go through in life the better my music gets and it's been crazy the last three years. I keep my music heartfelt and stick to making real music. I wouldn't even say it's Hip Hop music. My music is 'reality rap.' Hip Hop music can make you dance and bob your head, but it can't make you cry or touch your heart like reality rap"

On September 13, 2013 it was reported that judges related to his case agreed to return Lil Boosie, his hard drives and his computers. The equipment contains a lot of music he had recorded before going to jail, which could result in new music from him prior to his release. Jeff Weiss, who covered Boosie's trial for Rolling Stone, also reported that Boosie's attorneys believe that he will be released within the next five months.[5] On March 10, 2014, Lil Boosie will make his first comments to the public following his release from prison. During the press conference he will reveal his new record deal with Atlantic Records.[6] His first single released would be "Show Da World" with Webbie. In April 2014, he announced that his sixth studio album Touchdown 2 Cause Hell would be released on July 15, 2014, but was later pushed back to September 23, 2014.[7] Lil Boosie was feature on "Wuda Cuda Shuda" by 2 Chainz, "Beat Up the Block" by Dorrough Music, "Face Down" by DJ Mustard, "Beez Like" by Young Jeezy, "Jet Fuel" by T.I., "Made Me" (Remix) by Snootie Wild. On October 21, 2014 it was officially announced from one of his Lil Boosie's representatives that he had officially changed his artist name to Boosie Badazz.[8][9]

Bad Azz Entertainment[edit]

Bad Azz Entertainment is a record label founded by Lil Boosie. In 2008, Lil Boosie formed his own group, Da Click, then his imprint Bad Azz Entertainment in 2009. Bad Azz Entertainment also has a subsidiary that was started by Donkey named, Track Life Entertainment. Bad Azz Entertainment also has another subsidiary record label called Bad Azz Music Syndicate that was created by Lil Boosie manager TQ.[10]

Other ventures[edit]

Author[edit]

Lil Boosie also showed interest in releasing a memoir entitled "The Truth, No Lies". Further announcements have not been made about the book.[26]

Legal troubles[edit]

On October 22, 2008, Lil Boosie was arrested after East Baton Rouge sheriff's deputies found marijuana and a gun in Boosie's car. Boosie pled guilty to third-degree possession of marijuana on September 22, 2009 and was sentenced to two years in prison the next day.[27] Judge James Moore doubled the sentence on November 10 after finding Boosie had violated probation while awaiting sentencing. Between his plea and sentencing, Boosie was electronically monitored and placed under house arrest.[28]

On June 17, 2010 Lil Boosie was indicted on federal charges on first-degree murder of Terry Boyd.[29] He also faces charges for three counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics (Schedule II-Codeine, Schedule I-Ecstasy and Schedule I-Marijuana), three counts of "conspiracy to commit possession with intent to distribute narcotics", and two counts of "conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal institution".[29] He has stated that he is innocent of these charges.[30] District Attorney Hillar Moore stated that the killing seemed to be "over turf". If convicted, Lil Boosie may face the death penalty. Prosecutors have stated that they believe the rapper may have been involved in at least five other murders.[31] On June 28, Lil Boosie entered a not-guilty plea in a Louisiana court room. While Boosie's defense addressed the fact that the rapper has several ongoing cases, they emphasized that he is not a murderer.[32]

On November 29, 2011, Lil Boosie was sentenced to eight years in state prison after pleading guilty to the drug charges.[33]

On May 11, 2012, a jury found Lil Boosie not guilty of the first degree murder.[34] Directly after, in an interview,[35] his label-mate Webbie gave his opinion on what was next for Boosie but Boosie's legal troubles were far from over just yet.

On December 7, 2012 after it seemed Lil Boosie was to remain in prison for 7 more years due to drug charges, Lil Boosie's attorneys were able to argue that the drug ring charge was a set up. This was because the informant offered to provide codeine syrup for Lil Boosie, an admitted codeine addict, in exchange for his help.[36]

On December 19, 2013, it was revealed Boosie will be released from prison on August 18, 2014.[37] However, the following day his brother/manager revealed that the release date had been pushed up to February 2014.[38] Then on January 29, 2014, it was confirmed that Boosie had his final hearing on February 13, 2014, and he would be released during the following week.[39] He was then released on March 5, 2014.[6] He will remain on parole until 2018.[40]

Personal life[edit]

Lil Boosie grew up without a father figure in his life, as his father was murdered while he was a child. His mother is Jacquelyn Hatch. He is married to Walnita Decuir-Hatch. He has 7 children. Iviona, Tarlaysia, Torrence Jr., Toriana, Lyric, Ivy Ray, and MJ Hatch[41] Shortly after Bad Azz was released, Boosie announced that he had diabetes.[1] On March 9, 2013 while incarcerated it was announced that Lil Boosie had earned his GED certificate.[42]